Nancy said the newly drafted plan aims to streamline women empowerment policies and actions across all sectors, with the key pillars of economic empowerment, leadership, safety and well-being.

“The discussions initiated with stakeholders throughout the year and the recommendations from the Cedaw (Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women) expert committee were the foundation for our updated national women’s policy and action plan,” she said.

In a pre-recorded speech at the Malaysia Women and Girls Forum today, the minister said the blueprint will require the coordinated and collaborative participation of various government ministries and agencies.

“One of our aims is to empower women to become equal strategic partners in the country’s socio-economic development.

“We will do this by supporting policies that encourage women to enter and remain in the labour force through the strengthening of support facilities such as daycare centres and ensuring workplaces are spaces of safety and respect,” she said.

Nancy added that her ministry will push for Putrajaya to implement more gender-responsive annual budgets.

In October, the Women’s Aid Organisation (WAO) voiced concerns over the overall lack of a gender-sensitive approach in the 2025 federal budget.

While acknowledging that there were several positive initiatives for women, WAO acting executive director Nazreen Nizam said she had hoped to see dedicated funds for gender-based violence and domestic violence – prevention and response.

She said the budget also failed to provide specific allocations or measures to enhance the safety, health and well-being of women.